New mothers often feel unprepared when it comes to motherhood, and breastfeeding comes to the top of its list. Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it's also a learned skill for both the mother and the newborn. From learning the correct latching method to finding the most comfortable feeding positions, breastfeeding a newborn is a technique that demands patience to get it right for most mothers because, at the same time, their little one is learning too.
But using the right essentials from day one can make the learning curve easier for both mother and baby. Also, it helps in making the early days more comfortable and a lot less overwhelming.
Common Breastfeeding Challenges: Every New Mom Should Know
Every mom-to-be looks for newborn feeding tips, whether in late pregnancy or in the hospital. That's because breastfeeding, while natural, doesn't always come easily. Here are the most common challenges most mothers face:
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Trouble getting the latch right
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Sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples
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Breast engorgement
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Leaking breast milk and clothing anxiety
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Clogged ducts and risk of Mastitis
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Dehydration and fatigue
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Feeling self-conscious nursing in public or around visitors
How to prepare for breastfeeding: A Checklist For New Moms
Now, preparing for breastfeeding doesn’t have to come with chaos; having the right nursing accessories on hand can help the first feeds go smoother and be more comfortable for the mother and the baby. Here’s a simple checklist for you:
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Nipple cream: Prevents sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples and soothes them
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Breast pads: Absorb unexpected leakage and help you to stay fresh in between feeds and bring comfort and convenience to new moms.
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Nursing pillows: Support proper latching positions
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Breast pump: Eases expressing milk when you are returning to work or anytime away with the baby.
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Nipple shield: A helpful nursing accessory that creates a protective barrier and helps babies who find difficulty latching.
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Milk storage bags or bottles: These are a must-have for storing pumped milk safely for later feeds.
Products You Can Buy from Pigeon as a New Mom-To-Be
Pigeon offers a range of products to help you start your motherhood journey, prioritizing comfort and safety while addressing the stages of child development. We provide you with a special range of breastfeeding essentials that can help you feel more comfortable and confident in every stage of nursing. Here are some must-haves from the Pigeon collection:
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Pigeon Nipple Care Cream
If you are concerned with sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples, we are here with Nipple Care Cream 10G EN, which is made with 100% lanolin and also contains effective ingredients to help nourish, protect, and moisturize your nipple with no added fragrances. The cream is dermatologically tested, so you can use it in the early days of your breastfeeding.
Simply soften some amount of cream between your fingers and apply it to the entire nipple area after each feed or as required throughout the entire day. You can even use it before a shower for extra conditioning of sensitive nipples. Also, it is gentle enough to use during your pregnancy to ease dryness and promote healthy and supple skin.
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Pigeon Breast Pumps
Whether you are returning to work or building a stash for later feeds, breast pumps are a true friend for you as it takes away the stress of missing any feed. Pigeon offers both manual and electric breast pumps to meet different lifestyles and needs. The Magical Fit + ( Electric Breast Pump) is designed to move with you and is simple to use. This electric breast pump suits the everyday needs of modern, breastfeeding moms as it works on rhythmic expression mode, which mimics a baby's sucking motion for a comfortable pumping experience; plus, it's lightweight and portable.
If you are looking for an option that suits your budget, then the best solution is Pigeon’s Manual Breast Pump Basic Edition, made of high-quality BPA/BPS-free material. It has a soft silicone cushion and hygienic design that enables efficient pumping and offers a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
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Pigeon Breasts Pads
Leaking breasts is one of the common challenges new mothers come across in their early breastfeeding days, and having the best breast pads helps you to stay dry and stress-free throughout the day. Pigeon’s Breast Pads Comfy Feel ensured comfort, featuring a silky touch and soft edges, infused with Aloe vera extract, providing leak-proof protection. They are gentle on the skin and individually wrapped for hygiene. Also, they are suitable for overnight use, which lets you sleep without any worry. Breast pads are a small addition that makes a big difference as they take away all the stress about leaking breasts or discomfort. Pigeon Nipple Shields
For mothers who feel discomfort while feeding due to sore, cracked, flat, or inverted nipples and babies who find it difficult to latch, nipple shields come as a savior. Pigeon’s Natural Feel Nipple Shield is an ideal solution to sustain breastfeeding, which offers much-needed relief to mothers while also helping babies to establish an initial latch to the breast. It is designed with a unique shape and extra-soft and thin silicone that maximises skin-to-skin contact. This is available in multiple sizes to make sure of a secure and comfortable fit.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding is a journey that demands time, patience, and a lot of trial and error to make it work out for both the mother and her little one. From sore, cracked nipples, breast engorgement, and difficult latching to leaking breasts and clogged ducts, the early days come with a lot of breastfeeding challenges. Building a breastfeeding checklist can help you make feeding more comfortable and manageable.
Pigeon offers products that are designed to support mothers for a consistent feeding routine to make both baby and mother comfortable and also meet their lifestyle and needs.
FAQs
Q. How do I prepare my breasts before giving birth?
A. Keep your nipples moisturized with Pigeon’s Nipple Care Cream and talk to your doctor prior to giving birth about what to expect from breastfeeding.
Q. How many breastfeeding sessions per day for newborns?
A. Usually, newborns need to breastfeed 8-10 times a day, while pediatricians often recommend feeding on demand.
Q. What should I pack in my hospital bag for breastfeeding?
A. Pack 2-3 nursing bras, nipple care cream to ease early soreness, breast pads for leaks, and nipple shields for extra latch support if it's needed. Pigeon’s breastfeeding essentials are compact enough to put it in your hospital bags and make those first days more comfortable.
Q. Do first-time moms need nipple cream?
A. If you have sore, cracked, bleeding nipples, then nipple cream like Nipple Care Cream 10G EN helps you in the early days of your breastfeeding.
